Aspen recognized for access to WiFi

A survey of Colorado Ski resorts released this week ranks Aspen Snowmass in top place for wireless internet availability.

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Resort communities were ranked by the number of overnight accommodations that provided WiFi, along with the speeds of the networks. The Aspen Skiing Company’s four mountains took first place over communities like Telluride and Breckenridge. According to Alice Williams, Community Outreach Manager for InternetServicePartners.com who completed the survey says in some parts of the state, hoteliers responded that they didn’t provide internet whatsoever.

Jeff Hanle with the Aspen Skiing Company says that while right now a majority of available WiFi spots are through hotels and lodges, upgrades have been made. Each mountain restaurant is equipped with public WiFi, and increased cellular and wireless capabilities are a priority for SkiCo.

“Travelers like to stay connected. Because they have to work, or they wanna share their experience on social media, or they wanna find the best place to eat or the best place to ski while they are in resort… it’s sort of crucial in this day and age."

Hanle says over the next two years investments will be made in options such as fiber optic cables run up the chair lifts and hidden cell towers on the mountains.

The full rankings can be found here. Alice Williams says the Colorado study and a previous poll of Utah ski resorts are the first of their kind to prioritize access to WiFi in hotel searches.

Many Roaring Fork Valley residents know what it’s like to get on skis for the first time. It can be a wobbly, nerve-wracking experience. Now, imagine doing that without being able to see very well. This week, eight high school students from Tennessee are skiing at Snowmass for the first time and they’re labeled legally blind. Aspen Public Radio's Marci Krivonen reports.